démesure

English translation: immoderation

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This is actually a financial commentary urging that we not view the current economic crisis as the end of the world. The sentence is "Ce n’est donc pas la fin du monde, l’hubris que décrit Aristote, **la démesure**, le franchissement des limites raisonnables ne va pas détruire le système capitaliste..."
I have a possiblity somewhere on the tip of my tongue but would greatly appreciate any ideas :-)

Moderation would seem to be a more private pursuit, but Aristotle's paradigm of immoderation is a king, and "many people in positions of power (exousiais) feel the same way as Sardanapallus" (I.4.1195b21-22; Irwin trans.). Since those who exercise political authority are most able to gratify their desires for pleasure, they exercise the greatest degree of moderation in choosing not to do so. Among the so-called social virtues of book IV, magnanimity and proper pride are realized by attaining some suitable position of superiority, and though he does not quite say so, Aristotle surely has in mind positions of political leadership. In short, Aristotle clearly thinks the paradigmatic exercises of courage and justice are in political activities and hints, at least, that the greatest exercise of moderation as well as the exercise of magnanimity and proper pride also occur in the exercise of political power.http://www.bu.edu/wcp/Papers/Anci/AnciHal2.htm

Although 'excesses' is perhaps more natural current English, I've gone for 'immoderation' as it's more evocative of the accepted English for things Aristotelian. Thanks to all!4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer

Moderation would seem to be a more private pursuit, but Aristotle's paradigm of immoderation is a king, and "many people in positions of power (exousiais) feel the same way as Sardanapallus" (I.4.1195b21-22; Irwin trans.). Since those who exercise political authority are most able to gratify their desires for pleasure, they exercise the greatest degree of moderation in choosing not to do so. Among the so-called social virtues of book IV, magnanimity and proper pride are realized by attaining some suitable position of superiority, and though he does not quite say so, Aristotle surely has in mind positions of political leadership. In short, Aristotle clearly thinks the paradigmatic exercises of courage and justice are in political activities and hints, at least, that the greatest exercise of moderation as well as the exercise of magnanimity and proper pride also occur in the exercise of political power.http://www.bu.edu/wcp/Papers/Anci/AnciHal2.htm